Thermal modelling of surface engineered polycrystalline materials

Overview

Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014) and an outstanding 66% of the work of Loughborough’s academic staff who were eligible to be submitted to the REF was judged as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’, compared to a national average figure of 43%.

In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.

Project detail

Ultra-hard materials are widely used in the machining of automotive parts because of their durability and high wear performances. One of the current industrial challenges is that microstructurally different materials are designed to suit a specific application, leading to a time-consuming design/manufacturing process. It is therefore important to explore solutions to improve manufacturing efficiency. The proposed PhD is part of a multidisciplinary project which will lead to develop new technologies, novel materials and processes for automotive industries and for the benefit of uk’s economy.

Through the development of thermo-mechanical models for the interaction between polycrystalline materials and laser technology, the successful candidate is expected to: enable the validation of experimental results and develop the fundamental understanding of how different materials interacts with different advanced manufacturing processes.

This research will benefit from direct involvement of industrial partners helping the candidate to build a strong understanding of the priorities in car part automotive manufacturing industries.

Upon completion of the PhD, the candidate will have developed transferable professional skills ideal for pursuing their career both in academia and in industry.

Funding information

Please note that studentships will be awarded on a competitive basis to applicants who have applied to this project and other advertised projects starting with advert reference ‘WS’ for the School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering.

If awarded, each 3-year studentship will provide tuition fees at the UK/EU rate and a tax-free stipend at the UK Research and Innovation rate. The UKRI stipend value for 2019/20 has not yet been announced but the value for 2018/19 was £14,777. While we welcome applications from non-EU nationals, please be advised that it will only be possible to fund the tuition fees at the international rate and no stipend will be available. Successful candidates will be notified by 26th March 2019.

Supervisors

Primary supervisor: Dr Manuela Pacella

Secondary supervisor: Prof Vadim Silberschmidt

Why you should choose us

3rd in the UK for research qualityREF 2014

10thin the UK for Mechanical EngineeringThe Complete University Guide 2019

Entry requirements for United Kingdom

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Mechanical engineering, Applied mathematics, Material science or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience in one or more of the following will be an advantage: thermo-mechanical modelling and advanced manufacturing technology.